The exercise, which includes troops from Tajikistan, the US, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Pakistan and two observers from Kazakhstan, is taking place in Tajikistan July 10 to 23. Its goals include training the participants to fight terrorism, guard borders and restore stability.

A multi-national exercise allows trust to form between countries, said US Ambassador to Tajikistan Elisabeth Millard, adding that the US seeks to improve security and stability in Central Asia.

Troops who have gone through training like Regional Co-operation 2017 will be better prepared to carry out their missions in the future, predicted Guy Zero, deputy director of exercises and training for US Central Command (CENTCOM).